26 arrested as part of European crackdown on Dublin drugs gang

Twenty-six people have been arrested as part of a European investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering.

The investigation, which centres on the activities of a major Dublin crime gang, has seen arrests in Ireland, Spain and the UK.

Over 600 police officers are involved in the operation from Ireland, Spain, the UK and Belgium,

Beginning this morning at least nine searches took place across the UK, with 11 people there arrested.

In Spain, 11 searches have taken place and 16 have been arrested while here in Ireland 17 searches have taken place.

One man was arrested in Dublin's north inner city and has been taken to Store Street Garda Station for questioning.

Gardaí say this is one of the biggest operations targeting drug trafficking and money laundering in Europe in recent years.